Acid Reflux Diet

Acid Reflux, also common referred to as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can be described as a very common digestive problem, which affects adults, as well as infants or children. People are said to suffer from acid reflux when the acid in the stomach, refluxes, or flows back, into their food pipe. In normal instances, after a person swallows any food the lower esophageal sphincter eases a bit, so that the food can move to the stomach, but after that, it closes once again. However, there are factors that could cause this sphincter to weaken, due to which the acids may flow back into the esophagus. This could lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as heartburn or even breathing problems, in some severe cases.

What Is An Acid Reflux Disease Diet?

There are certain foods that have been known to relieve this condition to a certain extent and therefore, people suffering from GERD are advised to increase their consumption of such foods. Moreover, there are certain acid reflux diet recommendations that are related to the number of meals that should be eaten each day, and the time gap between each meal. Health experts state that a good acid reflux diet plan consists of around 5 small meals each day, instead of three large ones. This is because it is much easier for the digestive system to process a smaller meal, thereby reducing the possibility of acid reflux. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. In addition to breakfast, a acid reflux diet menu should consist of a mid-morning snack, lunch, a late-afternoon snack and an early dinner. The time gap between each meal should not exceed three hours. However, going to bed or lying down soon after eating is bound to aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. Therefore, a time gap of minimum 2 hours should be maintained, between a mealtime and bedtime.

Safe Foods

Some of the foods that are good for people suffering from GERD include:

• A few types of cheese like goat cheese or feta cheese
• Fish
• Fruits that are not acidic like apples or bananas
• Lean meats and poultry like chicken breast and lean ground beef
• Low fat milk
• Vegetables like baked potato, carrots, beans broccoli and cabbage

Foods To Avoid

Just like there are certain foods that alleviate the condition, there are others that can aggravate it. People who have acid reflux diet restrictions should avoid:

• Acidic fruits
• Foods that are fried
• Heavy meat preparations
• Liquor or anything that contains alcohol
• Products that contain mint or chocolate
• Whole dairy products

There are several acid reflux diet recipes that are easily available through the internet, or through books. Given below is an example of an ideal diet for acid reflux:

Breakfast

• ¾ Cup of whole grain cereal, with a cup of milk
• 2 slices of whole wheat toast with 2 tablespoons of jam or a teaspoon of margarine
• Half a glass of apple juice
• ½ a banana

Lunch

• 1 Cup of vegetable soup with 4 saltine crackers
• 1 hamburger bun with a lean beef patty
• ½ a cup of fresh fruit salad (no citrus fruit)

Snacks

• 4 graham crackers
• 1 cup of skim milk
• Fruit smoothies
• Nuts and seeds
• Plain and unflavored yogurt
• Fruits and vegetables (raw)

Dinner

• 1 broiled skinless chicken breast with ½ cup brown rice
• 1 portion of garden salad with a tablespoon of vinegar and oil dressing
• 1 medium apple or ½ cup low fat frozen yoghurt

It is best to consult a doctor, before making any dietary changes.